Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix and base to many of the Formula 1 teams in the Championship has just confirmed this afternoon that they mean to go ahead with two races this year.

As reported on last Sunday by TJ13, Silverstone has been confirmed as the next doubleheader after the Austrian Grand Prix (READ THAT EXCLUSIVE STORY HERE) when a leaked FIA memo to F2 and F3 teams surfaced this time last week. I might add we got that little nugget out a good few days before the mainstream media!

A fan of him or otherwise – Hammy plays to the crowd

Silverstone managing director: “I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and Formula 1 have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer.

“However, these races will be subject to government approval, as our priority is the safety of all involved and strict compliance with Covid-19 regulations.

“I would like to thank all our fans who have been so supportive throughout this and to assure them we are determined to do all we can to help Formula 1 put on a show this summer.”

An F1 spokesman said: “We are continuing to have conversations with Silverstone and other promoters regarding a revised 2020 calendar.”

Portuguese Grand Prix on standby to replace British Grand Prix

TJ13 wrote 2 days ago (READ THAT HERE) that the British Grand Prix is on the provisional calendar and that teams have been informed this race must be planned for, but certainly, the UK Government and Boris Johnson might have the last say in the matter.

Under current plans, the races at the Red Bull Ring would be followed by two events at Silverstone, if F1 can find a way around the quarantine restrictions and bosses at FOM (Liberty Media) are having ongoing discussions.

In essence, F1 will have to prove that the closed-door races planned this season will be just that and that there is zero chance of infection with Covid 19 upon the return of any team members, most of the which are based in the UK.

As I wrote two days ago, should there become an impasse disallowing the British Grand Prix doubleheader to take place, it is understood that the circuit in Portimao has been earmarked to take over that slot. Portugal is thought to be a perfect alternative, where the Covid 19 outbreak has not adversely affected the population as badly as the UK.

If the British race cannot go ahead, it will be the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve that will take its place, hosting the two races that will follow the Red Bull Ring on July 26th and August 2nd.

A period of quarantine would then be imposed before the calendar resumes in Belgium, confirmed today by the government there for the 30th of August.

Breaking news update on Spa

The Belgian government gave the go-ahead to hold the Formula 1 Belgian GP behind closed doors at the end of August.

RTBF reported on Friday morning that the Belgian government has given its green light for the….. READ MORE ON THIS STORY